Unsanctioned injection site sets up in Galt Gardens

By Lethbridge Herald on September 26, 2020.

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Jason Luan said the Alberta government provides a legal, sanctioned overdose prevention site, shown here next to the Lethbridge Shelter, a block away from the illegal site, with adequate capacity for the community. Herald file photo by Ian Martens @IMartensHerald

Lethbridge Herald
An unapproved and unsanctioned drug injection site was set up Friday night in Galt Gardens.
The site is being operated by the newly-formed Lethbridge Overdose Prevention Society and has been set up three weeks after the province stopped funding for ARCHES in Lethbridge.
According to a story by the CBC, four people used the tent to inject drugs Friday night with no overdoses and no police interaction. The plan is to set up a temporary tent each night for a couple of hours.
Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Jason Luan spoke against the drug injection site.
“Alberta’s government provides a legal, sanctioned overdose prevention site a block away from this location, with adequate capacity for the community.
“This illegal site contravenes the Criminal Code of Canada and we expect the City of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Police Service to enforce the law. We would refer your questions to the Mayor of Lethbridge’s Office for matters that pertain to local law enforcement issues.”